Bio: Ryan was born on Chicago’s South Side and started playing guitar at the age of fourteen. Born with a deep passion for a broad variety of musical styles, Ryan studied with Grammy award winner and jazz giant Frank J. Rumoro at the Chicago Academy of Jazz Guitar. Since that time he has made a name for himself as a teacher, performer, session guitarist, and true stylistic chameleon. In 2013, Ryan moved to Philadelphia to continue his musical journey and has toured the East Coast with several nationally recognized artists since 2014. Ryan was lead guitarist and band leader for “The Voice” finalist, country singer, Audra McLaughlin. Lead guitarist for indie rockers The Electives, CaptainPilotDriver, Cities&Sounds, Soraia, The Raknoss and hiphop artist The DreamR. Lead Guitarist for pop singer Ces Picerno where Ryan was under the mentorship of producer David Ivory (The Roots/Halestorm). Lead guitarist for New York funk-pop band Nalani and Sarina where Ryan was teamed up with knock out players Jim Hines (drums Beach Boys/Brian Wilson) and Tommy Emanuel (keyboard Bryan Adams/Mark Knopfler) All of these experiences have given Ryan a unique perspective on professionalism, playing music live/recording and the role of the guitar in different musical landscapes. As a teacher Ryan has a passion for helping students find their own unique voice on the guitar. Stating “Guitar playing is a meditation of self-awareness and was a way for me to find structure, discipline, self worth and expression. Through that I have grown as a person and a musician. My sole reason for teaching is to help others find that passion and those qualities within themselves to live a beautiful and fulfilling life through his/her instrument.” Students should expect a relaxing learning environment that is cultivated to bring the fundamentals of guitar playing to the student and promote individuality in the player through free form jamming, finger exercises, chord building, strumming patterns, dynamics study, scales, arpeggios, improvisational chop building and cover songs. As a session guitarist, Ryan’s skill and endless pursuit of unique sound, tone, and technique have established him as a fixture in the Philadelphia recording scene. As a solo experimental guitarist his work pushes the sonic envelope of modern-day technology in pursuit of new and original musical ideas. A dedicated collaborator, Ryan brings his personality and passion for experimentation to each project, while always working to serve the vision of each employing artist. **endorsed by Wampler Effects Pedals and StringJoy Strings** **Hundreds of live gigs played** Guest Lecturer at University of Akron, OH "Pentatonic Scales the Western Integration" Philadelphia Session Guitarist 2013-Present Featured online instructor via Ibanez Guitars USA Author and teacher of online lesson videos. "S. Shred Tips" 22 years of Guitar repair and modification experience Extensive knowledge of guitar effects and applications Education: 2009-2013 Harmony and Theory at Rumoro Academy of Jazz Guitar in Chicago, IL 2004-2008 Experimental Sound/Production The School of the Art Institute Chicago *** Lesson Details *** Lesson are taught out of my home studio space located in the East Falls/Manayunk Philadelphia! Some lesson materials referenced are: Triad Mindset and Fret Board studies Art and Fear The Real Book 6th Edition Jazz Standards 30 hour Guitar workout Steve Vai The Music Lesson Victor Wooten after just 3-6 short months, students will see an increase in comfortability with the notes on the fret board, basic chord progressions and single note soloing! *** Studio Equipment *** Logic Pro X - Ableton Suite 11 *** Travel Equipment *** student only needs guitar and Binder for materials given in class I have amps *** Specialties *** Rock, Funk, Blues, Country, Jazz and Jam band approaches to guitar as well as home recording practices